The newest 3-D TVs use what’s called “passive” technology, like the LCD set from Vizio. The big advantage, the 3-D glasses are lighter, more comfortable, and much less expensive.

However, Consumer Reports finds some drawbacks with the new technology.

"In the 3-D mode, passive TVs can only show half the vertical resolution of a standard 1080p TV. Because there are fewer pixels creating the image, our testers saw jagged lines where there should be smooth ones," said Jim Willcox.

In contrast, on this 3-D set, looking through the glasses, the lines are smooth. Another issue with the Vizio, moiré interference creates a shimmery effect in certain scenes.

However, overall, testers were fairly impressed with the Vizio's performance. It's the brightest 3-D set they've ever seen and has minimal ghosting, so you won't see double images through the glasses.

"And the ability to wear lightweight, inexpensive glasses is sure to be a plus for a lot of families," said Willcox.

When it comes to active 3-D sets that use more expensive, bulkier glasses, testers find big differences between plasmas and LCDs. To evaluate them, engineers create 3-D patterns and view the patterns through glasses.

"In general, our testers have found that plasma 3D TVs provide the best overall 3D picture quality, primarily because they have less ghosting," said Willcox.

In the end, Consumer Reports top-rated the Panasonic Viera for
43-hundred dollars. It delivers a crisp 3-D image, but you have to pay for extra glasses, 150 dollars a pair.

More comfortable, cheaper 3-D glasses are a step in the right direction, but will there ever be 3-D TVs that don't require glasses at all? For now, Consumer Reports testers say that glasses-free 3-D is still a few years away.